Former refugees look to ignite Australia's World Cup

Born in refugee camps to parents displaced by conflict in Africa, three players are set to showcase the evolving face of Australian soccer at the World Cup. Mohamed Toure and Nestory Irankunda, two emerging talents, are eyeing their first World Cup minutes, while Awer Mabil, at 30, will serve as a mentor at his second tournament.

These three players share a common background: they are children of asylum seekers who navigated Australia's footballing system, rising through the ranks from Adelaide. Already recognized within Australia's significant African diaspora, their on-field chemistry could be pivotal for the Socceroos' aspirations to advance beyond the group stage and secure a knockout match victory for the first time.

"It's the country that gave us the opportunity to live," said 22-year-old Toure, who fled Liberia and was born in a refugee camp in Guinea. "So I think (the World Cup) would be the best way to pay back and just do what I love at a top level." Toure, currently playing in England's second tier, has impressed as a first-choice striker for the Socceroos.

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It's the country that gave us the opportunity to live. So I think (the World Cup) would be the best way to pay back and just do what I love at a top level.

Irankunda, born in a Tanzanian refugee camp, also plays in England's second tier. Despite a challenging stint with Bayern Munich, the son of Burundian parents has become a fan favorite for Australia with his energetic performances. Mabil's journey began in a Kenyan refugee camp before his family was displaced by civil war in Sudan. After a period of being overlooked, he has been recalled to the squad, expressing that this World Cup will hold extra significance after a difficult couple of years.

The Socceroos squad is increasingly diverse, with six players of African heritage, nearly a quarter of the team, selected for this World Cup, a doubling from the previous tournament. Four of these players honed their skills in Adelaide, an unexpected hub for African soccer talent. Towering striker Tete Yengi, who has South Sudanese heritage, is another member of this Adelaide cohort, sharing a strong rapport with Irankunda. This growing diversity reflects a shift from squads once dominated by European heritage players.

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Obviously, I had a little taste in the last one (World Cup), but this one will mean extra because I think it's not been an easy couple of years for me.